What should I do before getting my first tank?

Benogan · May 21, 2018

Hi community!

I just signed up today. I've always been fascinated by reef tanks but moved around too much in and have always been too busy to really get into this hobby. Lately I've been trying to watch beginners videos, read what I can, and learn, so that soon I can setup my first tank.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed-- there's so much information and I'm not sure where to start. I don't want to rush into this and buy a tank/setup that I'll regret later. I'd like to spend some time learning and understanding what to expect while keeping an eye out for good deals on supplies (I'm on a tight budget).

Any advice on where to start? How to get all the knowledge I need to make my first go at this as successful as possible?

Additionally, any advice on where to learn about budget builds? I want to make sure that I don't blindly follow someones build without realizing that saving an extra 100$ on something was totally not worth it.

Thanks for the help and I'll keep trucking through the beginners guide!

Crabs McJones · May 21, 2018

Welcome to R2R and the friendlies community on the planet!

#WelcometoR2R

Give this thread by @revhtree a good read through, it should answer any questions you have about setting up a tank. If not feel free to ask here and our friendly users will help you out as best we can

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Palyzoa · May 21, 2018

BRS have great videos on everything from starting to maintaining a successful reef tank. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/series/view/start-a-saltwater-tank-series

Welcome to R2R!

Mikedawg · May 21, 2018

You're getting into reefing the right way - reading and researching, and being PATIENT. Soon enough you'll be ready to buy your tank, etc. with confidence and surety that you'll be happy with the system you choose. That said, there are some good package deals in terms of All In One (AIO) set ups and you may want to search on that term. Here's Marine Depot's take on a budget build and, although I would recommend that you go bigger, this video provides the basics to think about: https://blog.marinedepot.com/2017/06/budget-reef-tank-cheap-aquarium.html. And a lot of reefers on here have the BioCube AIO 32 which you can find on Amazon for less than $350. Of course, once you get in the hobby you'll want more exotic equipment, a home wrecker coral, etc., lol.

Good luck

Lovemyreef2015 · May 21, 2018

Welcome to R2R

JoshH · May 21, 2018

Deleted

mattgsa · May 21, 2018

Welcome to R2R
Spend a lot of time studying before buying.

Jesterrace · May 21, 2018

Benogan said:
Hi community!

I just signed up today. I've always been fascinated by reef tanks but moved around too much in and have always been too busy to really get into this hobby. Lately I've been trying to watch beginners videos, read what I can, and learn, so that soon I can setup my first tank.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed-- there's so much information and I'm not sure where to start. I don't want to rush into this and buy a tank/setup that I'll regret later. I'd like to spend some time learning and understanding what to expect while keeping an eye out for good deals on supplies (I'm on a tight budget).

Any advice on where to start? How to get all the knowledge I need to make my first go at this as successful as possible?

Additionally, any advice on where to learn about budget builds? I want to make sure that I don't blindly follow someones build without realizing that saving an extra 100$ on something was totally not worth it.

Thanks for the help and I'll keep trucking through the beginners guide!

A lot of it depends on what size of setup you are planning on going with (ie 20 gallon Long, 40 gallon Breeder, 70-90 gallon standard, etc) and if you are planning on doing Fish Only With Live Rock or planning on starting with corals (corals generally require more demanding water perameters and lighting). All of these things can factor heavily in your decision. The first thing I would recommend you do is to spend some time researching the fish you want at www.liveaquaria.com as they are the most accurate for minimum required tank sizes. You can also check for reef compatibility (ie whether or not it will nibble on corals and/or inverts), general temperament and how easy it is to care for said fish. This will allow you to get an idea of what fish are best suited for what you want and help guide you for your setup. Used setups can save you a lot of money (more so with larger tank setups than smaller tanks IMHO), but you definitely want to make sure to test the seals to make sure the tank will hold water and that it isn't scratched up. You don't want a tank that looks like this:

A lot of newbies start out with a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) and then upgrade to corals since fish will be fine with a cheap basic LED light and most corals won't and are more forgiving for nitrates than corals are. One of the myths spread around IMHO is that saltwater tanks are ridiculously expensive. Well, if you want a fully active reef loaded with corals, Tangs, Full Size Angel Fish, Rabbitfish/Foxfaces, etc. then yes you will be well into the 4 figures range (even used). If you want a simple and small fish only tank with only a few fish then you can get setup for much less.

JollyReefer · May 21, 2018

I recommend watching all of BRS TV's YouTube series on 52 weeks of reefing with the BRS 160.
Also, you should recognize and learn to accept that this hobby requires an exorbitant amount of patience. Things in this hobby take time to develop. Before knowing much about the hobby, I set out to build and populate a reef tank over a weekend. That goal was simply impossible. I've been working on my build for 4 months now and have yet to install a single coral in my tank.

Fudsey · May 21, 2018

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

Phelipe's Ocean · May 21, 2018

Benogan said:
Hi community!

I just signed up today. I've always been fascinated by reef tanks but moved around too much in and have always been too busy to really get into this hobby. Lately I've been trying to watch beginners videos, read what I can, and learn, so that soon I can setup my first tank.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed-- there's so much information and I'm not sure where to start. I don't want to rush into this and buy a tank/setup that I'll regret later. I'd like to spend some time learning and understanding what to expect while keeping an eye out for good deals on supplies (I'm on a tight budget).

Any advice on where to start? How to get all the knowledge I need to make my first go at this as successful as possible?

Additionally, any advice on where to learn about budget builds? I want to make sure that I don't blindly follow someones build without realizing that saving an extra 100$ on something was totally not worth it.

Thanks for the help and I'll keep trucking through the beginners guide!

Welcome to R2R! I have joined recently also and am still learning my way around, this is a great forum they can answer just about any question you have! Here is a great video for setting up a tank on a budget from Marine Depot, all in one systems are probably your best bet and you can customize and upgrade most of them as you like.

Ctg0209 · May 21, 2018

JollyReefer said:
I recommend watching all of BRS TV's YouTube series on 52 weeks of reefing with the BRS 160.
Also, you should recognize and learn to accept that this hobby requires an exorbitant amount of patience. Things in this hobby take time to develop. Before knowing much about the hobby, I set out to build and populate a reef tank over a weekend. That goal was simply impossible. I've been working on my build for 4 months now and have yet to install a single coral in my tank.

52 weeks of reefing is a great video series. I watched many of their videos when starting my own tank. Fish of hex on YouTube also has good beginner videos. I also believe coralfish12g has a video of setting up a tank for $500. Good Luck and happy reefing!

Benogan · May 21, 2018

Thank you everyone! This is awesome and super helpful. I also ordered Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies to read this week.

JoshH said:
Not sure what that word means but it doesn't sound fun;Shifty

Really though as others have said you just took your first step to a successful reef and that's asking questions and doing your homework before diving in. Too many bite off more than they can chew and it ends up with a lot of dead things and an ebay auction of used tank goods. Might I first ask, what creatures are you looking to keep? Figuring this out is a good first step to figuring out what kind of system and equipment you need to create a successful environment for your inhabitants.

And welcome to R2R!!!!!

This may change but currently I'm thinking I'll start with Fish only so that I don't have to spend top dollar on lights and then I'll upgrade down the road and include corals. That's about as far as I've gotten.

JoshH · May 21, 2018

Deleted

cracker · May 21, 2018

Hello, Benogan all good info above. The $$$ involved can be very high to reasonable depending on what You get. Regardless it will cost more than You thought. I'd "think" starting out with only fish 1st is a good way to learn the ropes . If You want corals in the future, make sure the fish You buy now won't munch on your corals later. I agree about Too much info/OP's out there & they all vary . Consider taking notes on what "you " think makes the most sense. Then ask about these subjects.
This is a great place to learn We all like helping "Beginners "!

hdsoftail1065 · May 21, 2018

Welcome to R2R Benogan! I see you to to experienced first hand how great the people are in this forum. I was trying to keep it my little secret! Your in good hands my friend, and your plan to research is spot on! As mentioned the BRS videos are a great resource, don't be afraid to ask alot of questions!

Benogan · May 21, 2018

Thanks again- so far on my radar is this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nuvo-fusion-40-gallon-saltwater-aquarium-kit.html , but I'll update you guys once I'm a bit more up to speed with my research!

Tuffyyyyy · May 21, 2018

Benogan said:
Thanks again- so far on my radar is this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nuvo-fusion-40-gallon-saltwater-aquarium-kit.html , but I'll update you guys once I'm a bit more up to speed with my research!

Where are you located? A lot of times you'll be able to find great deals on used tanks. I am an avid lover of Innovative Marine tanks, and have the IM40, but would recommend against that tank. All of their other tanks are great, the IM40 is just a bit awkward to aquascape for. If you're looking for something in that range I'd recommend the 30 gallon or the 50 lagoon.

Benogan · May 21, 2018

Tuffyyyyy said:
Where are you located? A lot of times you'll be able to find great deals on used tanks. I am an avid lover of Innovative Marine tanks, and have the IM40, but would recommend against that tank. All of their other tanks are great, the IM40 is just a bit awkward to aquascape for. If you're looking for something in that range I'd recommend the 30 gallon or the 50 lagoon.

Good to know. I'm located between Washington DC and Baltimore MD. I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist

Mikedawg · May 21, 2018

Benogan said:
Thanks again- so far on my radar is this https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nuvo-fusion-40-gallon-saltwater-aquarium-kit.html , but I'll update you guys once I'm a bit more up to speed with my research!

Nice tank, just need a light and a mesh screen top if it doesn't come with one. BRS and many on this forum will have some good recommendations.